Mercedes, one of the most dominant teams in Formula 1 history, is marking a momentous occasion at this week’s Singapore Grand Prix. Celebrating 50 years of partnership with their title sponsor, PETRONAS—an oil and gas giant with a market cap of $688.8 billion—the Brackley-based team will unveil a striking one-off livery on their W15 challenger for the night race at Marina Bay.
In honor of this milestone, the W15 will prominently feature PETRONAS’ iconic blue across the front of the car, along with accents on the side pods. Early images shared by Mercedes on social media reveal a visually stunning design that promises to make the W15 stand out under the bright lights of Singapore.
“Celebrating 50 years of @Petronas with a special livery for the Singapore GP!” the team proudly shared via their X (formerly Twitter) handle.
The vibrant blue touches aren’t just eye-catching—they are also a nod to the deep history between the two companies. Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff praised the longevity and success of the partnership, which has been instrumental in driving the team to multiple world championships.
However, despite the dazzling new look, Wolff and Mercedes are under no illusions about the formidable challenge that lies ahead at Singapore. The Marina Bay circuit, notoriously tough on drivers, demands extreme physical endurance due to its high temperatures and suffocating humidity. In addition to the human element, the street circuit’s tight corners and lack of overtaking opportunities make it one of the toughest races on the calendar.
With just seven races left in the 2024 season, Mercedes sits third in the Constructors’ Championship with 309 points, fighting tooth and nail to secure a top-three finish. But the battle is far from over. Ferrari and McLaren, both in excellent form, are formidable rivals. And lurking in the background is Red Bull, struggling with their RB20 but always a threat to bounce back as they fine-tune their performance in the remaining races.
Wolff knows that Mercedes needs to push harder than ever. “The championship is still very much alive,” Wolff has said, emphasizing the team’s determination to finish strong. But with Ferrari and McLaren snapping at their heels, and Red Bull looking to regain their footing, the fight for supremacy in the final stretch of the season will be fierce.
As Mercedes aims to cap off a season marked by highs and lows, the Singapore GP presents an opportunity for redemption and a chance to show off their partnership with PETRONAS in style. But with the heat on—literally and figuratively—the team will have to combine stunning aesthetics with raw performance to take on the challenges ahead.
